Elder Park Library Opening

Burrell Collection Photo Library

The library was gifted to Govan by Mrs Elder and designed by J J Burnet. It was opened by Andrew Carnegie (seated at the centre of this photograph, one along from Mrs Elder), the Scots-American industrialist and millionaire who had funded 3,000 public libraries including 380 in Britain.

Mrs Elder provided £10,000 to meet the cost of building and the purchase of books and a further £17,000 to a fund for the maintenance of the library. As a condition of her financial assistance, she insisted that the library must open on Sundays.

Reference: 660.83.174

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums